Fence and wall structures

ABSTRACT

An assembly comprised of separate vertical panels locked to each other edge-to-edge to form a continuous wall or fence which is held in an upright substantially rigid expanded relation by means of inflated tubes secured to the panels.

United States Patent [72] lnventor Leonard A. Pokryfki 8938 Hillcrest, Livonia, Mich. 48150 [21] Appl. No. 779,764 [22] Filed Nov. 29, 1968 [45] Patented Sept. 14, 1971 [54] FENCE AND WALL STRUCTURES 19 Claims, 33 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 256/25, 256/26, 52/2 [51] Int. Cl E04h 17/18 [50] Field of Search 256/25, 26; 52/2; 61/34;4/172, 172.15

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 183,170 10/1876 Hurley 256/26 Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor Au0meyHauke, Gifford & Patalidis ABSTRACT: An assembly comprised of separate vertical panels locked to each other edge-to-edge to form a continuous wall or fence which is held in an upright substantially rigid expanded relation by means of inflated tubes secured to the panels.

PATENTED sm 4 |97| 335045 5 sum 1 or 8 INVENTOR LEONARD A. POKRYFK! WM 24M qym flam ullion-ways PATENTEUSEPMIBYI SHEET 2 0F 8 INVENTOR PATENTEU SEPI 4 l97l SHEET 5 OF 8 INVENTOR Fl G' LEONARD A.POKRYFKI apnea s PATENTEU SE?! 4 I9?\ SHEET 8 BF 8 FIG 22 INVENTOR LEONARD A.POKRYFKI BY 9f Jan/lays Z MA FENCE AND WALL STRUCTURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to portable building structures of the fence or wall-type which, when erected, form an enclosure.

Such enclosures have great utility as storage bins, kennels, playpens, patio shields, stock pens and the like, or as temporary snow fences or forms for construction work, and in military application as portable foxholes and other protective enclosures.

2. Description of the Prior Art Portable and collapsible fence or wall-type enclosures are known to be erected from prefabricated panels which can be either folded or completely disassembled. However, these prior known structures are mostly bulky, difficult to transport and generally difficult to assemble. Upon final assembly they may lack the structural rigidity very often required in structures of this kind and thus, if repeatedly subjected to stresses of even a small magnitude, they can lose their shape and ultimately collapse. In addition, some sort of tools are generally necessary to assemble these structures, thus further complicating their erection.

Furthermore, prior structures of this kind are usually designed for a single purpose and do not lend themselves to, or are not readily applicable or suitable for, other purposes than that for which they are designed. Thus, their use is extremely limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In erecting portable and collapsible fence or wall structures, in order to have more widespread application, it is desirable that they be simplified to facilitate their assembly in a minimum time, be of lightweight for ease of transportation and handling and, when collapsed or disassembled, should provide a relatively small package to be easily stored.

The novel features of the present invention produce such a lightweight, easily handled and erected fence or wall-type enclosure having universal utility and which upon erection has the required stability to withstand considerable loads. The present novel enclosure can be quickly erected without the use of any tools other than an air pump which may be a conventional handpump.

The present novel structure is erected from prefabricated lightweight modules such as panels or slats having interlocking means preferably of the hinge type by which the panels or slats can be quickly connected together in a continuous preferably circular or semicircular row. The panels or slats are further interconnected by inflatable tubes suitably secured to and extending laterally across all of the panels. Preferably, the inflatable tubes can be positioned on the inside or outside of the assembled enclosure so that upon inflation of the tubes pressure will be applied to the panels or slats in an outward direction for maximum expansion of the assembly applying tension between the panels, to form a substantially rigid wall or fence-type enclosure.

Among the many various uses for which the present portable enclosure may be adapted are dog kennels which may be set up in the yard for temporary or permanent use, but always having the advantage of being easily moved without the expense and labor connected with conventional permanent kennels. The structure may also be used for playpens for toddlers because of its ease of assembly and disassembly. By the provision of a sufficient number of panels the enclosure may be erected in any desired or convenient size and the panels may be readily stored flat. Large enclosures may. be used as stock pens and the like, while smaller enclosures may be used as chicken yards and for containment of other small fowl and animals.

Storage bins may be assembled of any size for indoor or outdoor use, as for instance on farms, for the storage of corn, fodder, produce, and the like.

In certain of these applications the panels may be constructed of wire mesh, expanded metal, perforated metal or the like. Obviously, instead of metal, the panels in some uses may be made of wood, plastic, or any suitable material, to further reduce weight and to eliminate damage by corrosion.

Recently, above ground backyard swimming pools of all sizes have become popular. These are generally assembled of an outer shell of sheet metal panels locked together by clamps, rings, nuts and bolts, or the like, with a sealed inner liner of plastic then fastened to the enclosure. The erection and disassembly of these conventional swimming pools is very laborious, and the sheet metal panels and locking members often may be out of shape and may not properly fit together. The present novel portable enclosure has a particularly advantageous utility for use in the erection of such above ground swimming pools, considerably reducing the erection and disassembly time of such structures without the above disadvantages. After filling with water the inflatable tubes used in the erection can be removed since the water pressure is sufficient to maintain the enclosure in rigid position. The tubes can then be stored for safekeeping to prevent their damage.

The present novel construction is of specific advantage in the use of forms (round or semicircular) in construction work due to its ease of erection and disassembly eliminating the tedious work of form building.

Another specific utility of the present portable closed is in use for military applications such as, for example, portable foxholes, ammunition and food supply storage, temporary kennels for patrol dogs and the like, and other protective enclosures. In the use of the present structure for foxholes and the like, the panels can be advantageously made of bulletproof and fireproof material, and gun ports may be provided in the panels if desired. Also, the panels can be constructed so as to overlap at the joints, providing a completely closed structure and, since the inflatable tubes are inside the structure, they are not liable to damage by gunfire. The tubes can also be recessed within the panels so as to further protect them from gunfire and other damage.

A variety of other uses will become evident as the description proceeds hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several embodiments of the invention for various uses of the present novel structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic assembly drawing of the present novel structure;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional top view of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is an enlarged cross section through FIG. 2 along line 2a2a thereof;

FIG. 3 is a partial inside elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of one of the enclosure panels in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view as seen from the right side of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an enclosure panel constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a further embodiment of an enclosure panel constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of still another embodiment of an enclosure panel constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still a further embodiment of an enclosure panel;

FIG. 10 is a composite diagrammatical illustration of one method of manufacturing a panel for the present novel enclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the enclosure panel made in accordance with the method illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross section of the enclosure panel taken on the line 12l2 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a partial elevational view of an enclosure panel constructed of expanded material;

FIG. 14 is a further partial elevational view of another embodiment of an enclosure panel made from a perforated sheet material;

FIG. 15 is a top view of still another embodiment of an enclosure panel formed from a corrugated sheet metal or plastic sheet material;

FIG. 16 illustrates the use of a protective covering for the inflatable tubes used in the present novel structure;

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the upper portion of still a further embodiment of the enclosure panel for use in the present novel structure;

FIG. 18 is an elevational view as seen from the left side of FIG. 17',

FIG. 19 is a top view of the panel of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross section for an enclosure panel showing still a further structure for retaining the inflatable tubes;

FIG. 21 is a perspective fragmentary view of a further modification for interlocking the enclosure panels of the present novel enclosure;

FIG. 22 is a partial top view of a modified embodiment using overlapping panels to completely close the gaps between the panels for use in the present novel enclosure in certain appliCatiOns;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the top portion of an enclosure plate used in the embodiment of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the upper part of a further modification of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a top view of the structure of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic illustration of a semicircular enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a partial cross section view of an enclosure plate illustrating a modified retaining means for the inflatable tubes used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a partial top view of a modified plate connection means;

FIG. 29 is another partial top view of a further modified plate connection means;

FIG. 30 is still another top view showing a fabricated panel and hinge connection means;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the panel shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective fragmentary view of a fabricated panel and tube-retaining means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a circular enclosure 27 is illustrated as comprising an assembly of substantially similar plates or slats 28 which are hinged together as at 30 to form a continuous circular wall or fence. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 the substantially flat preferably elongated rectangular plates 28 are each provided along one longitudinal side with a pair of spaced hooks 32 having a pin portion 34 extending parallel to the side of the plate and along the other longitudinal side with a spaced pair of complementary eye or loop portions 36 such that, when the plates are being assembled to form a structure, the hooks 32 of one plate will be hooked into the eyes or loops 36 of the next adjacent plate in a continuous order, the last plate being hooked onto the first plate to form a circular enclosure. The hooks 32 and eyes or loops 36 may be formed integral with the plate 28 by means of a stamping process or the like or they may be separate and welded, stapled, or braced to the plates whichever may be more suitable, and they are preferably spaced relatively close to the upper and lower edges of the plates for maximum stability of the plates upon assembly and they are positioned in relation to each other so that in assembled position the upper (and lower) edges of the plates 28 are normally aligned with each other as seen in FIG. 3.

One of the planar surfaces of the plates 28 is provided with a pair of spaced retaining means, such as hooks 38 in this instance, which are preferably likewise positioned relatively close to the upper and loweredges of the plates 28 in close proximity to the hinge connections 30. The pair of retainer books 38 on each plate 28 are adapted after assembly of the plate to receive and retain an inflatable tube 40 or 42 respectively which are each of a length substantially corresponding to the circumferential dimension of the assembled structure as in FIG. 1. The inflatable tubes 40 and 42 are preferably in the shape of an endless ring, such as an inner tube, which in deflated condition can be easily positioned within-the retainer hooks 38 of all of the circularly arranged hooked together plates 28. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the inflatable tubes 40, 42 are positioned inside the circular plate structure and each is provided at a convenient location with an air valve 44, one of which is shown in FIG. 3, so that the tubes may be inflated after assembly of the structure by any conventional air-pumpmg means.

After assembly, inflation of the tubes 40, 42 causes a pressure to be applied simultaneously to each of the individual plates 28 in an outward direction, thereby expanding the structure uniformly to the maximum allowed by the hinge connections 30, with all of the plates being retained in aligned vertical position. Thus, the inflated tubes 40, 42 provide the hinged plate structure with the necessary rigidity to withstand normal use loads to which the enclosure will be subjected and as produced by its type of application. The retainer hooks 38 are shaped such as to allow full inflation of the tubes and to securely hold the tubes 40, 42 in position and which are preferably of maximum width as permitted by the width of the plate or as may be dictated by the manufacturing process or structure of the plate but is sufficient so as to prevent any sacking or bulging of the tubes between adjoining hooks and to provide sufficient surface support for the tubes.

It is not necessary that in an assembly such as in FIG. 1 all of the plates 28 be provided with tube-retaining means 38 since by means of the interlocking connection between the plates tensioning pressure will be transferred from one plate to the next assuring a rigid structure.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1 and with additional reference to FIG. 16, in many applications it will be necessary or convenient to provide a gate in the enclosure 27 for passage into and out of the enclosure 27. In this event, several of the plates 28 may be omitted and a single wide plate indicated at 46 which is hinged to the last plate 28 may be substituted. To allow access into the enclosure without stooping underneath the upper tube 40, the upper tube may be cut off at the first and last plate 28 and its ends suitably closed by end fittings 48. The lower tube 42 which is relatively close to the ground may be fully retained but, in order to protect the exposed section of the tube from damage, a shield 50 of any kind of suitable sheet material in the form of a curved channel as illustrated in FIG. 16 may be placed over the exposed portion of the lower tube 42 to provide a threshold and thus protect the tube from damage.

In some cases it may be desirable to merely eliminate the hinge elements between two normal adjacent plates 28, and eliminate the tube-retaining hooks 38 on any number of panels to provide a doorway of desired width, such that the unattached panels may be folded or rolled together to open the doorway. In such a case, it may be desired to enclose the exposed lengths of tube with a suitable rigid length of tube (not shown) to minimize risk of damage.

With reference to FIG. 26, instead of a circular free standing enclosure 27 as in FIG. 1 the enclosure may be constructed as a portion of a circle as seen in FIG. 26 wherein a semicircular enclosure 29 is illustrated, attached at opposite ends 31, 33 to a stationary wall of a building or to a fence indicated at 35. In this instance, the inflatable tubes 400 (or 42a not shown) are not in the shape of an inner tube but, instead, comprise a length of tubing corresponding to the circumferential length of the assembled semicircular enclosure and the ends of the tubes are suitably closed off by fittings 37 which preferably may likewise be attached to the wall or fence 35. Upon inflation of the tubes 40a (and 42a) locking pressure will be applied to the plates 28 in the direction away from the wall or fence 35 by which a rigid enclosure will be obtained with the wall or fence 35 forming one side of the enclosure. Entrance into the semicircular enclosure 29 may be by means of a gate in the plate structure as in FIG. 1 or through a gate or door opening (not shown) provided in the stationary fence or wall 35.

As indicated in FIG. 2, in many applications such as in dog kennels, swimming pools, playpens and the like, especially if the tubes are positioned inside of the enclosure, it will be preferred to protect the exposed portions of the inflatable tubes against accidental or willful damage which can be suitably provided for by means of shields 41 which, as seen in FIG. 2a, are of semicircular cross section and have an initially smaller diameter than the inflated tubes 40, 42, and which are adapted to be snapped over the exposed tube sections between the tube retainer hooks 38 so as to be locked around the tubes as shown in FIG. 2. To secure the shields 41 over the exposed tube sections so that they will not be accidentally or willfully removed after assembly they may be locked in place by any well-known suitable means, one embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 2a and which comprises a pair of opposed tongues 43 stamped out of the plate 28 which, after assembly of the shields 41, are adapted to be clamped down upon the ends of the shields behind the inflated tubes by simply bending them down, to thus firmly lock the shields upon the tubes. Various other conventional securing means may be employed whichever appears to be best suited and more economical. The shields 41 are preferably made of plastic or spring sheet steel to enable the shields to be quickly and conveniently snapped over the inflatable tubes after assembly of the structure.

In certain applications the protective shields 41 may extend continuously along the entire length of the tubes 40, 42 in which case the separate tube-retaining means can be omitted, since the shield 41 when secured as shown in FIG. 2a by means of the stamped-out tongues 43 clamps the shield upon the plates 28 and thus simultaneously supports and retains the tubes 40, 42 on the plates. However, as mentioned before, the tubes may be positioned on the outside of the enclosure in which case they can just be removed and stored for protection.

As stated in the preamble, the individual plates 28 may be made from any suitable material such as sheet metal, wood, fiberboard, steel or plastic depending on the type of use and load to which the structure will be subjected. The plates may be of sufficient thickness depending on the strength requirement and they may have various shapes as may be directed by the manufacturing requirements and by the particular application. Likewise, the hinge connections 30 and tube retainers 38 may be formed integrally or they may be made separately and attached to the plates as by welding, brazing, cementing or the like or they may be inserted in apertures provided in the plates. Similarly, the plates 28 may be shaped to suit any particular application and may thus be made of solid sheet material, frame wire mesh, expanded metal, perforated sheets, corrugated sheets, or the like as will be described briefly hereafter.

Thus, FIG. 13 shows a plate 28a made of wire mesh or expanded sheet material 52 which may be retained in a frame 54 for stability. The expanded sheet material or mesh may be made of metal or plastic. In this instance, the hook 32a and eye 36a of the hinge assembly is made separately and welded or brazed onto the sides of the frame as shown at 56. Similarly, retainer hooks 38a for the inflatable tubes 40, 42 may be made integral with the frame 54 or may be attached thereto by welding or brazing.

In FIG. 14 a plate 28b is shown as being made from a perforated sheet material of metal or plastic having perforations 58 provided for lighter weight and entrance of air into the enclosure. The hinge hooks 32b and complementary eyes 36b may be stamped out of the perforated plate or they may be separate and attached to the sides of the plate as by welding or brazing as shown at 60. The tube-retaining hook 38b can likewise be stamped out of the material of the plate or be separately attached thereto.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a plate 28c made of corrugated sheet material in which the hinge hooks 32c and complementary eyes 36c are formed integrally from the material of the plate. The corrugated plate may likewise be made from metal or plastic material and may also be made from expanded sheet material as in FIG. 13 or from perforated sheet material as in FIG. 14. A suitable number of tube-retainer hooks 380 are formed or attached to some or all of the crests of the corrugatrons.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, the plate 28d in this instance, is formed as by stamping, cutting or the like from a sheet of material of any suitable shape and may be solid as shown or in any of the forms illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15. The hinge hooks 32d are integrally formed out of the side edge of the plate and the eyes 36d are likewise integrally formed out of the plate material by parallel cuts 62 extending inwardly from the edge of the plate and then rolling back the portion 63 between the cuts to form a loop or eye 36d positioned inwardly from the edge of the plate so that upon assembly of adjoining plates by insertion of the hook 32d into the eye 36d, as shown in FIG. 9, the opposite side edges of the plates will be in substantial abutment to form a substantially closed structure. The tube-retainer hook 38d is likewise formed integrally out of the material of the plate by a method similar to forming the eyes 36d.

FIGS. 8, and 10 to 12 illustrate a method of making a plate 282 which provides recessed tube-retaining means for a more efficient tube protection. The plate 28e is preferably fabricated from a rolled length of sheet material 64 which may be metal or plastic and which is of sufficient thickness suitable for the intended purpose. At spaced intervals along the sheet 64 the sheet is perforated at two vertically aligned positions by transverse and longitudinal cuts 66 and 68 respectively in which the transverse cuts 66 intersect both longitudinal cuts 68 to form opposed tongues 70 and 72 respectively. The sheet of material 64 is then rolled longitudinally along two parallelspaced lines 74 and 76 which intersect the tongues 70 and 72 to form arcuate longitudinal grooves 78 and 80 (FIG. 12) having a radius corresponding to the outer radius of the inflated tubes 40 and 42. The sheet of material 64 is then stamped or cut to provide portions 82 substantially corresponding to the desired width of the plates 28e. The stamping or cutting of the sheet portions 82 may be preferably done by means of a die to form a shaped plate 28e as shown in solid lines and which provides a first pair of spaced ears 84, 86 extending from one side 88 of the plate 28e and a second pair of spaced ears 90 and 92 extending from the other side 94 of the plate 28e in substantial alignment with the opposite first pair of cars. The second pair of ears 90, 92 is of considerably smaller width than the ears 84, 86 for a purpose to be described. After the plate 28e has been stamped or cut in the manner described, the wider ears 84, 86 will be bent in a direction transverse to the plane of the plate to form loops 85, 87, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 11 and the smaller cars 90, 92 will be bent in the direction parallel to the side of the plate to form hooks 91, 93 as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 10. In the assembled structure, as in FIG. 1, the hooks 91, 93 are adapted to be hooked into the loops 85, 87 an adjacent plate. Initially, the tongues 70, 72 are bent outwardly away from the plate to allow the insertion of the inflatable tubes 40 and 42 into the grooves 78, 80 and, after inflation of the tubes, when the plates are assembled to form a structure as in FIGS. 1 or 26 the tongues 70, 72 will be bent downwardly upon the tubes to lock and retain the tubes in the grooves as seen in FIG. 12. As further shown in FIG. 12, valves 96 and 98 may be provided at any convenient location along the tubes for extension outwardly through any one of the plates 28e to enable inflation of the tubes from the outside of the assembled structure.

FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate a further modification of a plate 28f which may be rolled, formed, stamped or cast from one piece of material providing integral ears or bosses 100 extending from one side of the plate which are drilled or bored as at 102 parallel to the side of the plate. The other side of the plate 28] is formed. with hooks 104 opposite the boss 100 adapted to be locked in the bore wood, of the boss 100 of an adjacent plate 28f when a number of such plates are assembled together to form an enclosure as in FIG. 1 or 26. The plate 28f is further provided, in close proximity with the boss 100 and hook 104, with transverse ridges 106 extending transversely across the width of the plate and which are bored through as at 108 to provide an integral retaining means for the tubes 40 or 42. Outwardly, ridges 106 are provided with a longitudinal slot 110 extending to the bore 108 to provide a resilient clamping means for the tube 40 or 42 upon inflation of the tubes. Since the tube-retaining ridges extend across the whole width of the plate 28f, the tubes will be adequately protected against damage and no supplementary protection shield such as shown in FIG. 2a will be necessary. It will be understood that the lower half of the plate 28f which is not shown, is constructed similarly to provide a boss 100, book 104 and a tube retaining ridge 106.

FIG. illustrates a further modification of an integral tuberetaining means which is somewhat similar to FIG. 18. In this instance, the plate 28g has a boss or ridge portion 112 extending transversely across the plate which may be formed by roll forging or the like and which is then bored through to provide an aperture 114 for the reception of the tube 40 or 42. A slot 116 is provided in the face of the plate opposite the ridge for resilient retention of the tube 40 or 42 upon inflation of the tubes.

FIG. 21 shows an interlocking panel construction in which the plate 28h is provided along one side with an outer ledge 1 l8 and along its other side with a complementary inner ledge 120. The hinge which locks those panels together and which comprises a hook 122 and complementary eye 124 are positioned on the front of the plate to which they may be attached by welding, brazing or the like, so that upon assembly of the plates as shown the ledges 118 and 120 of adjacent plates overlap to form a continuous surface with no open space between the plates. The inflatable tubes 40 and 42 may be retained on the plates by any of the tube-retaining means hereinbefore described. For a more effective closing between the adjoining plates, appropriate seals (not shown) may be provided between the overlapping edges 118 and 120.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a form of enclosure according to the present invention which may be used advantageously in military applications such as for portable foxholes, ammunition storage and the like. In this instance, the plates 28i are provided with overlapping features similar to the embodiment in FIG. 21. However, the outer ledges 126 and complementary inner ledges 128 are formed by longitudinally bending the sides of the plates in the appropriate directions to allow adjacent plates to overlap. The hinge connection in this instance is formed by the provision of eyes 130 formed in a boss portion 132 extending from the planar surface of the plate 28i at the junction thereof with the inner ledge portion 128 so that the eyes are positioned on the face of the plate inwardly from the edge of the side. A complimentary hinge portion 134 is formed at the other side of the plate at the end of the outer ledge 126 adapted to interlock with the eyes 130 of an adjacent plate in the assembly. To secure the plates together, a hinge pin (not shown) will be inserted through the interlocking hinge portions 134 and 132. The inflatable tubes 40 and 42 may be retained on the plates 28i by means of spaced retainer hooks 136 which may be welded or brazed to the plates. The plates in this instance are preferably made from suitable fire and bulletproof sheet material and some or all may be provided with suitable openings 138 at a desired height to serve as observation means or gun ports. It will be noted in FIG. 22 that the plates 28i are slightly curved outwardly so as to eliminate, as far as possible, any flat surfaces in the assembled structure which are more easily penetrated by missiles whereas a curved surface is apt to deflect a missile when hit thereby.

FIGS. 24 to 25 illustrate a further embodiment of a portable enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention which is specifically adapted for military use and which has an improved hinge connection as will be described. One side of the plates 28k is provided with a rolled solid boss portion 140 extending the length thereof which has an outer edge shaped in the form of a cylindrical rail 142. The other side of the plate 28k is provided during rolling of the plate with a thickened edge portion 144 extending along the whole length of the side which is forged to provide a forked structure having a cylindrical channel 146 which has an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the cylindrical rail 142 so that, upon assembly of adjacent identical plates 28k by sliding the channel 146 of one plate 28k over the rail 142 of an adjacent plate, the plates will be securely locked together as seen in FIG. 25. Due to the extension of the channel 146 and rail 142 along the entire length of the sides of the plates, the assembled plates will provide a solid surface all around with no gaps between the plates. Furthermore, by means of the cylindrical socket connection the individual plates are adapted to swivel relative to each other a considerable amount making it possible that an enclosure of any desired diameter may be constructed with any number of plates. In this structure, as in that of FIGS. 22 and 23, the plates 28k are made from a fire and bulletproof material and the surface is slightly curved outwardly as seen in FIG. 25 for maximum deflection characteristic to deflect any missile hitting the structure. The inflatable tubes 40 or 42 which are adapted to rigidify the structure will be retained on the plates 28k inside of the structure by means of the retainer hooks 148 which are welded or otherwise secured to the plates. Portholes 150 may be provided in some or all of the plates 28k for observation or for use as gun ports. Thus, the present novel structure of a portable enclosure especially as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 is advantageously applicable for military use.

The structure in FIGS. 24 and 25 provides an especially fail safe hinge structure by the provision of the full length interlocking rail and channel structure which in effect provides a protective joint not likely to be easily penetrated or damaged by missiles in distinction to the more vulnerable open hinge structures such as in FIGS. 22, 23. The surfaces of the interlocking rails 142 and channels 146 are preferably coated with a lubricant or a permanent plastic coating such as Teflon" to prevent the joint from seizing and to facilitate assembly and disassembly. The plates are assembled by sliding the channel 146 of one plate over the rail 142 of the next adjacent plate from the top thereof, the last plate being adapted to interlock with the first plate to form a closed solid enclosure.

The rail and channel interlock in FIGS. 24 and 25 further advantageously provides a convenient and desired adaptation of the enclosure to an uneven ground surface upon which the enclosure may be erected and which will be frequently encountered, especially in military use. The rail and channel interlock of the plates 28k permits the individual plates to vertically slide relative to each other upon assembly on a rough terrain without loss of a rigid and tight connection between the plates. Although the vertical adjustment of the plates in correspondence to the ground surface may cause some of the tube retainers 148 to be misaligned this will not affect the rigidity of the assembled structure since the inflatable tubes 40, 42 need not be supported by all of the plates yet still will be effective to exert expansion pressure on all of the plates due to the rigid interlock between the plates which acts effectively as a force transfer medium. If desired, the hooks 148 may provide a vertically elongated space for the tubes to eliminate the unusual bending thereof and yet have the desired retention.

FIG. 27 illustrates an advantageous arrangement to secure separate tube-retaining means to a plate 28 which is universally adaptable to secure the tube 40 (or 42) to either side of the plate 28 which may be required or found to be more practical. In this instance the plate 28 is provided with a pair of spaced slots 162 and 164 adapted to receive the paired prongs 166 and 168 ofa hook 170. The prongs 166, 168 have bent over end portions 172 and 174 which are adapted to abut against the reverse side of the plate 28 after insertion of the prongs through the slots 162, 164 and thus securely lock the hook 170 onto the plate 28. Obviously, the prongs could be inserted from the other side of the plate to position the tube 40 (or 42) on the other side if found to be more convenient.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a sliding interlock connection between adjoining plates which may be used in place of a hook and eye connection. For this purpose the sides of the plates 281 or 28m are looped or culted inwardly in reversed order so that one looped side of one plate may be interlocked with a reversely looped side of an adjacent plate. In FIG. 28 the looped sides 176 and 178 of adjoining plates 281 are of round configuration, although as shown in FIG. 29 a plate 28m may be provided with square-looped sides 180 and 182 respectively. The pressure exerted by the inflated tubes will provide a rigid interlock of the looped edge connection between the plates. This construction likewise provides individual vertical adjustment of the plates on uneven ground without loss of rigid connection.

FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a fabricated hinge structure for a plate 28n. This construction is specifically applicable for plates made of wood, plastic, fiberboard or the like. The hinge comprises a length of wire 184 somewhat longer than the width of the plate and one end of the wire 184 is bent into a hook 186 whereas the other end is rolled up to form a loop 188. The wire 184 is then attached to the face of the plate by means of staples 190. Thus, when assembled as shown, the wire hook 186 of one plate 28n is adapted to be hooked into the wire loop 188 of an adjacent plate. It will be understood that one pair of such wire hinges will be provided for each plate. This structure will be of advantage where cost is of prime importance since manufacturing of this plate structure is relatively inexpensive.

In FIG. 32 a further alternate means for retaining the inflatable tubes 40 or 42 is being disclosed. In this instance, a formed cylindrical retainer 192 is being provided for the plate 280 which is preferably longitudinally slotted as at 194. The formed retainer may be attached to the plate 280 by means of staples 196 as shown, or, in case the retainer is made of metal and the plate is likewise of metal it can be welded or brazed to the plate. This structure is likewise relatively inexpensive and affords complete support and protection for the tube 40 or 42.

Although the plates for erection of the present novel structure are shown in the drawings as being of rectangular configuration they need not necessarily be rectangular but could have some other shape as for instance triangular in which the plates would be alternately reversed to form a wall-type enclosure.

In summary, the present invention provides a universally adaptable portable enclosure by the use of individual plates or slats hinged together and rigidified by means of inflatable tubes extending along all of the plates or slats. The structure lends itself for construction from any kind of suitable sheet material of plastic, alloy or metal, wood, fiberboard or the like, in any desired shape or form such as solid, flat, corrugated, expanded, perforated or any other form.

The structure can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled it can be easily transported and stored making it especially useful in such applications as for swimming pools, playpens, kennels, snow fences, construction forms or the like or for military use.

The structure is rigidified by means of inflatable tubes with air to inflate the tubes always being conveniently available. No tools other than an air pump arenecessary to erect this structure. The separate plates used in the present novel structure can be made by any known suitable and economical manufacturing process.

The present invention may be embodied in certain other forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristic thereof, therefore, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent 1. A portable fence-type enclosure comprising a plurality of separate building modules having means interlocking said modules to form a continuous wall, means carried by at least some of said building modules of said wall on at least one side thereof to retain and support inflatable means which when inflated exert pressure directly against said wall to expand same outwardly, thereby applying tension between said interlocked building modules for maintaining said wall in place.

2. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said building modules comprising plates and said hinge means comprising hook and eyes to separably attach said plates one to another to form a substantially circular enclosure.

3. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said hinge means comprising a pivotable and slidable rail and channel interlock to separably attach said plates one to another to form a completely closed enclosure.

4. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates having opposed ledge means formed integral therewith and adapted to overlap in the assembly with complementary ledge means of adjacent plates to form a closed enclosure.

5. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said retainer means comprising hooks and said inflatable means comprising at least one pneumatic tube adapted to be supported in the assembly by said hooks on some of said plates.

6. The enclosure defined in claim 5, in which said means to inflate said tube comprise valve means attached to said tubes.

7. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of expanded metal.

8. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of perforated sheet material.

9. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of corrugated sheet material.

10. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said plates being made of fire and bulletproof material.

11. In the enclosure defined in claim 3, said plates being provided with portholes.

12. In the enclosure defined in claim 3, said rail and channel interlock extending along the sides of said plates from end to end to allow vertical adjustment of said plates relative to each other upon assembly of said enclosure on a rough terrain.

13. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly:

plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled;

hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall;

pneumatic means associated with each of said plates adapted to exert equal pressure directly on each of said plates when actuated for maintaining said wall in place; and

means to retain said pneumatic means on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure.

14. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said pneumatic means comprising a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of said plates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated.

15. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 14, the provision of shields placed over the exposed portions of said pair of inflatable tubes between said retaining means, and tongues stamped out of the material of said plates adjacent said retaining means adapted to securely clamp said shields to said inflatable tubes.

16. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said plates being solid and provided with portholes.

17. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said plates being curvilinear to form a true circle when assembled.

18. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly:

plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled;

hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall;

a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of said plates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated;

means to retain said pair of tubes on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure; and

a gate in said enclosure and shield means adapted to be placed over the exposed portion of the lower one of said pair of inflatable tubes defined by the gate opening to protect said tube from damage.

19. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly:

plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled;

hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall;

a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of saidplates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated;

means to retain said pair of tubes on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure; and

shields placed over the exposed portions of said pair of inflatable tubes between said retaining means. 

1. A portable fence-type enclosure comprising a plurality of separate building modules having means interlocking said modules to form a continuous wall, means carried by at least some of said building modules of said wall on at least one side thereof to retain and support inflatable means which when inflated exert pressure directly against said wall to expand same outwardly, thereby applying tension between said interlocked building modules for maintaining said wall in place.
 2. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said building modules comprising plates and said hinge means comprising hook and eyes to separably attach said plates one to another to form a substantially circular enclosure.
 3. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said hinge means comprising a pivotable and slidable rail and channel interlock to separably attach said plates one to another to form a completely closed enclosure.
 4. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates having opposed ledge means formed integral therewith and adapted to overlap in the assembly with complementary ledge means of adjacent plates to form a closed enclosure.
 5. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said retainer means comprising hooks and said inflatable means comprising at least one pneumatic tube adapted to be supported in the assembly by said hooks on some of said plates.
 6. The enclosure defined in claim 5, in which said means to inflate said tube comprise valve means attached to said tubes.
 7. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of expanded metal.
 8. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of perforated sheet material.
 9. In the enclosure defined in claim 2, said plates being made of corrugated sheet material.
 10. In the enclosure defined in claim 1, said plates being made of fire and bulletproof material.
 11. In the enclosure defined in claim 3, said plates being provided with portholes.
 12. In the enclosure defined in claim 3, said rail and channel interlock extending along the sides of said plates from end to end to allow vertical adjustment of said plates relative to each other upon assembly of said enclosure on a rough terrain.
 13. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly: plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled; hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall; pneumatic means associated with each of said plates adapted to exert equal pressure directly on each of said plates when actuated for maintaining said wall in place; and means to retain said pneumatic means on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure.
 14. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said pneumatic means comprising a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of said plates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated.
 15. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 14, the provision of shields placed over the exposed portions of said pair of inflatable tubes between said retaining means, and tongues stamped out of the material of said plates adjacent said retaining means adapted to securely clamp said shields to said inflatable tubes.
 16. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said plates being solid and provided with portholes.
 17. In the portable collapsible enclosure as defined in claim 13, said plates being curvilinear to form a true circle when assembled.
 18. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly: plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled; hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall; a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of said plates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated; means to retain said pair of tubes on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure; and a gate in said enclosure and shield means adapted to be placed over the exposed portion of the lower one of said pair of inflatable tubes defined by the gate opening to protect said tube from damage.
 19. A portable collapsible enclosure comprising in assembly: plates of identical configuration adapted to form a circular wall, when assembled; hinge means associated with each of said plates to lock said plates together to form said circular wall; a pair of inflatable tubes spaced in parallel relationship and adapted to abut all of said plates of said circular wall to exert equal pressure on each of said plates when inflated; means to retain said pair of tubes on said plates when assembled to form an enclosure; and shields placed over the exposed portions of said pair of inflatable tubes between said retaining means. 